Mold spores can spread throughout a home, and they can cause health issues like allergies or respiratory problems. Professionals at Mold Removal Salt Lake City can address the problem quickly and safely, and they can prevent it from coming back.
The first step is an inspection and air quality assessment. They can identify the source of the mold and determine the severity. Any wet or porous materials that contain mold will need to be removed.
Mold on walls is more than just ugly; it can also indicate an ongoing moisture problem and potentially a health hazard for you and your family. The key to permanently getting rid of mold on walls is a combination of prevention and thorough cleaning. This means controlling moisture and killing the spores.
In the case of most interior surfaces, you can achieve both with a little soap and water or a mild bleach solution (no more than a cup of laundry bleach per gallon of water). Before you begin cleaning the affected area, make sure to wear protective gear such as rubber gloves, goggles and an N-95 mask to limit your exposure to airborne spores while working. It is also a good idea to shut off and seal vents in the room, turn off fans and restrict access to the area you are working on to prevent spread of mold spores.
When it comes to cleaning porous or absorbent materials, such as drywall or carpets, you are likely going to need some help from professional cleaners. However, for non-porous surfaces like counters or paint on walls, you can usually simply wipe them down with a sponge or rag dampened with hot water and detergent, then rinse and blot the surface dry.
For outdoor surfaces, such as concrete floors or wooden decks, the best way to treat them is with a commercial mold-killing solution found at your local hardware store. Before you apply the solution, it is a good idea to cover any nearby plants or furniture with plastic drop cloths to protect them from any possible spills.
Remember that mildew and mold thrive in environments with high levels of moisture, and if they are not treated, they will continue to grow until they are eliminated by some other force, such as a rainstorm or the removal of organic material that they are feeding on. This is why it is important to squeegee out showers and baths regularly, keep basements and kitchens dry and promptly repair any leaks or water damage that may occur in your home.
Clean the Surfaces
In most cases, the first step of mold remediation involves cleaning the affected areas. This usually requires special cleaning products, but for smaller surface growths you can get away with using common household cleaners. Before you begin, be sure to wear rubber gloves and a mask to avoid breathing in any spores. You should also vacuum up any loose spores, as these can be airborne and can cause respiratory problems.
Ideally, you should fix the source of the moisture problem before starting to clean the mold. This will prevent future outbreaks. Generally, the problem is caused by a lack of ventilation and a source of food, so allowing fresh air to circulate will help stop future infestations.
For wood surfaces, you can use a soapy solution to remove mold spots. Mix a small amount of detergent with water, dip a cloth in the mixture, and rub the spot. Then, wipe it down and rinse the area thoroughly. You can also try a solution of equal parts vinegar and water or hydrogen peroxide and water. These natural solutions are much safer than bleach, and they will kill the fungus roots.
You can use a sponge dipped in vinegar or peroxide to scrub the spores off of concrete surfaces. Be sure to rinse the area after scrubbing and dry it completely to prevent further contamination. You can also use a dehumidifier and a fan to speed up the drying process.
If you aren’t sure if a stain is mildew or dirt, test it with household chlorine bleach. If it lightens or disappears after two minutes, it’s dirt; if it doesn’t, it’s likely mildew.
Professionals usually use a chemical solution specially formulated for removing mold stains. They may also use a high-powered spray to scrub the contaminated area, and then rinse it with clean water. They can then use a HEPA-approved vacuum to remove any leftover spores and moisture residue. They can also wipe down and dry the affected surfaces to prepare them for a coat of whitewash or specialized mold-resistant paint, as necessary. They can also use a sanding tool to remove more stubborn stains.
Remove the Stains
When mold grows, it releases microscopic spores into the air. These spores are like tiny seeds that ride the air currents and stick to whatever they touch. Mold spores can also cause allergic reactions, so it’s important to wear protective gear when cleaning a moldy area. The first step in professional mold remediation involves spraying an EPA-approved biocide over the moldy area to kill it. The biocide will also make the mold spores sterile, so they won’t spread. Then, the team will treat non-porous items, such as metals and plastics, with commercial-grade antimicrobial sprays to kill any remaining spores. They’ll also use these sprays on porous materials, such as wall studs, to kill mold spores that have penetrated deep into the wood.
Once the surface has been treated, it will be cleaned. If the spores are still visible, it may take several cleaning treatments to completely remove them. When removing mildew or mold from tile walls, for example, the team will scrub and rinse the affected areas. They’ll also wipe down any drywall and plaster that have been affected by mold growth.
They’ll then use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to get rid of any remaining spores and debris. They’ll also use a dryer and other tools to bring the humidity level in the affected area down to a normal range. This is a vital step, as the wrong humidity level can lead to the return of mold.
Finally, the team will dispose of any affected building materials, such as drywall and insulation. They’ll place them in thick, airtight plastic bags and spray them down again to ensure that no spores are hidden inside. The bags will then be sealed and disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Dry the Area
Mold spores thrive in moisture and can grow quickly, which is why you need to address the root cause of any excess moisture to prevent mold from growing. Fix the source of any leaks and humidity problems in areas where mold is found, and ensure proper ventilation in moisture-prone spaces.
If you have a serious problem, call a local mold removal company. They will have more hearty protective gear, stronger cleaning products and much more knowledge about both getting rid of the mold and preventing it from coming back.
Start by turning off electricity to the affected area. If the moldy drywall is covered with wallpaper or painted, remove the wallpaper and paint before starting the cleanup. Then, take steps to protect the rest of your home from contamination by sealing the room with plastic sheeting and taping it in place. Also, wear gloves and a face mask (N-95 respirator recommended) while working to reduce your exposure to the mold.
In most cases, surface mold can be cleaned with bleach or a non-toxic mildewcide. But for severe infestations, you may need to remove and replace the drywall in the affected area. If you’re not sure whether the mold is actually on the drywall or just a coating, use a test kit that can detect airborne spores of certain types of mold, available at most hardware stores.
If the mold is on a drywall coating, you can often scrape it off and then wipe the drywall underneath clean. But if the mold has spread through the drywall and into the backing, you’ll need to cut out the drywall in the affected area, then reinstall it with a new layer of drywall compound and mud, along with a fresh coat of latex paint that contains a mildewcide.
For stains on fabric items, try baking soda to soak up moisture and deodorize the soiled surface. You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray it directly onto the moldy surface. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing and then rinsing and wiping the surface dry. If the smell persists, you might need to shampoo the item or take it to a professional cleaner.